Cucurella becomes the boss of the world's left wing

Cucurella transformed under the hands of Enzo Maresca.

Although the “Best Player of the Tournament” award went to Cole Palmer for his brilliant performance in the final, the heart of this historic victory lay on the left flank - where Marc Cucurella produced a performance that silenced all past critics.

From "debt" to leader

A year ago, Cucurella was a symbol of Chelsea's profligacy. At Stamford Bridge, his every move was an excuse for ridicule. But under Enzo Maresca, the Spanish defender was reborn. Not only was he a solid cog in the defence, he became a moral leader in the dressing room - something Maresca himself admitted after the final:

"I don't usually name individuals, but with Cucu it's different. He's intelligent, and he's the soul of this squad. Tonight, he'll definitely be the center of the party," said the Italian coach.

At MetLife on July 14, when the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final was still in full swing, the opportunity to open the scoring fell to Desire Doue - PSG's brightest young talent, who had just been named the tournament's Young Player of the Tournament. But as Doue was about to shoot in the penalty area after Fabian Ruiz's pass to tear apart Chelsea's defense, Cucurella appeared like a flash of lightning.

Not only did he clear the situation, but he also prevented a deadly cross for Hakimi. It was a perfectly timed and well-placed intervention - emblematic of the coolness and composure that has become Cucurella’s trademark this season.

Marc Cucurella brother 1

Cucurella is proving its worth.

From that moment on, Doue gradually disappeared from the game. He joined the list of big stars that Cucurella "pocketed" this season: Mohamed Salah, Ousmane Dembele, Bukayo Saka, Antony... And as Chelsea fans humorously commented: "Welcome to Cucurella prison - where all the stars are helpless,

Cucurella’s performance was not only a good match, but also a statement after the painful defeat in the Nations League final against these same people. João Neves – who had once caused him pain with Portugal – had to leave the field this time after a helpless hair-pulling incident. Nuno Mendes – who had been a wall on PSG’s left flank – was “torn apart” by Palmer and Malo Gusto throughout the match. But no one was more determined than Cucurella: he returned and paid back the money with interest.

More than just a left-back

The 2024/25 season has been an extraordinary journey for Cucurella. Playing 61 games - nearly 5,000 minutes - he has not only been solid in defense but also scored 7 goals, more than some strikers. The decisive goal against Man United in the final rounds of the Premier League directly brought Chelsea back to the Champions League, ending the spectacular comeback journey of the London team.

Marc Cucurella brother 2

Cucurella blocked PSG's Desire Doue in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final.

Speaking after the 3-0 win over PSG in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final on DAZN, Cucurella said: “We fought until the end. This is a worthy reward for a season of hard work. Even though it is only the first season under Maresca, we have already won two major titles. But we are not done yet.”

Marc Cucurella is no longer a reviled signing. He is no longer someone whose value is in doubt. The former Brighton star is the embodiment of tenacity, intelligence and courage. He may not have the sensational moments of Palmer or Nkunku, but in the big game, Cucurella is irreplaceable.

At 27, the curly-haired defender is living the most brilliant period of his career. And if anyone still doubts his class, then last night in New Jersey was the final answer: Marc Cucurella - one of the best left-backs in the world today.

PSG suffered a crushing defeat to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final. Early morning on July 14, PSG lost 0-3 to Chelsea in the match to decide the Club World Cup title.

Source: https://znews.vn/cucurella-thanh-ong-chu-canh-trai-the-gioi-post1568692.html